Organization and Reorganization!

My inspiration is from my daughters' closets and drawers. I can guarantee they didn't get these skills from me!!

I've been trying to get my life more organized lately - hopefully it will last! Dave and I reorganized our crawl space this summer. We put only food storage items down there and moved what was stored there either to the garage or to a storage unit. Before moving them to either of those places, however, I went through all the files, boxes, totes, etc. Holy cow, what a packrat I am! I threw out tons of stuff I'd saved for years - some as far back as 1987 (it was not so kindly pointed out to me by one of our children - Holy crap Mom, that's 23 years! My reaction - I felt like saying - Good for you, you can do elementary math!) I'd saved stories, recipes, instructions on how to make now out-dated crafts, patterns, etc. At the time I saved them I figured I might need them "some day". Well, that was before the internet (yes, there was life before the internet!!) Now most anything can be found on the internet so there's no need to save all that stuff.

I also reorganized my "office". When I quit JetBlue Missy suggested I move some things around in my office/craft room. She's of the mentality that if you don't use it - get rid of it. I, however, hang onto things probably much longer than I should. But, she also has some good ideas of how to organize things. So I took some of her advice and put all sewing stuff in one area, scrapbooking supplies and pictures to be scrapbooked are in another area, and genealogy is in another area. I actually got the top of my desk/table cleared off and instead of it holding things to be filed I'll be able to use it!

We got new carpet in the family room, stairs, and bedrooms earlier this year. I painted the family room and before putting anything back up on the walls, decided to simplify. We don't have as many things on the wall now, and it's actually more serene. We got a new big screen TV and entertainment center, bought a couch and oversized chair at a garage sale, and I love it. There's still a couple more things that I'd like to get - a sofa table for behind the couch and an end table, but I'd like them to match the entertainment center so they'll have to wait a little while as they will have to be custom-made. The entertainment center was made by one of the ward members, so it'll be awhile before we can afford to add those pieces.

It feels good to simplify, but I know I can improve in still more areas. However, Rome wasn't built in a day, and my house won't be organized in a day. It will take several weeks and emotionally letting go of items that have been around for many years. But, eventually I'll get things around here to the point I want them to be at! With my daughters as inspiration and helpers, it may be sooner than I think.

Setting Goals

I have set some personal goals, one of which is to blog on a regular basis. I plan to incorporate thoughts and feelings along with our happenings.
Life is a series of events - some happy, some sad, some trying, some boring, some more meaningful than others! We have our ups, we have our downs. But, I feel truly blessed to live in this beautiful country, experience freedoms of all kinds that many people in the world will never experience. Have you ever thought about that? I wonder why it is that I was born at this time, here in this country, and get to enjoy so many things? I watch TV and see war and severe poverty in other parts of the world and wonder why I'm so blessed.
Another goal is to live life, not just exist, but to truly live. I want to experience lots of what life has to offer and be thankful for those experiences. There are lessons to be learned and ways to be refined still by the refiner's fire. Think of the personal growth that will provide. I want to appreciate ALL the blessings I have, no matter how big or small they may be and to recognize those blessings each and every day.
Henry B. Eyring said: “Have I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch us or our children or our family today? As I kept at it, something began to happen. As I would cast my mind over the day, I would see evidence of what God had done for one of us that I had not recognized in the busy moments of the day. As that happened, and it happened often, I realized that trying to remember had allowed God to show me what He had done.” “I’m not giving you these experiences for yourself. Write them down.”
I'm going to try to do that on a regular basis. I'm sure I'll find many things I'm grateful for that I hadn't even thought about. There may be days, however, where as Oprah said on one of her shows many years ago when talking about gratitude journals, there may be times when things may not be going so well and I may only be thankful for being able to breathe.
There are several other goals I've set. Some are personal, some will be shared. But, in trying to attain these goals, I will be making progress to improve and appreciate life. Thank you Heavenly Father for all that you have given me.
I love this quote that President Hinckley has been quoted as saying: "Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he's been robbed.
Most putts don't drop. Most beef is tough. Most children grow up to be just people. Most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration. Most jobs are more often dull than otherwise.
Life is like an old-time rail journey—delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed.
The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride."

Race for the Red

Me and the ladies from the Heart Challenge

Today was the 5K Race for the Red. It was a beautiful day and a wonderful course. It went alongside Provo River and the sound of the water was so soothing. I was hoping to run the whole way, but after the first couple of miles I had to walk a little and then start running again. I'll bet that out of the 3.1 miles I was able to run about 2.75 miles. That in itself is an accomplishment. Maybe the next one I'll be able to run even farther and eventually I'll actually run a whole one! I was able to take 1st in my age group (and yes, there was more than just me in that age group). I was excited about that and I was excited about my finish time.

Thank you so much Brie

If you look real close between the grill and the headlight you can see a little clump of hair!

The dent by morning light

The flowers

I feel really bad. Brie stopped to get me a card and flowers after she heard I'd won the heart challenge. She was on her way home after getting them and a deer jumped out of nowhere on State Street in American Fork and ran right into her. She was upset - not because of the damage to her car but because she was afraid the deer was out there somewhere dying a slow and painful death. She showed me the dent and the hair that was stuck to the car. She's the one that's the dear! That was so thoughtful and considerate of you Brie. Thank you so much - I love you.

The 100-Day Heart Challenge Finale

Janet, Traci, Mandy, and I
Traci and I

The whole group (too bad some are hidden)

Mandy and I

Dave and I (he was a great support)

Traci, me, Janet

Tonight was our dinner honoring the participants of the heart challenge. Everyone looked so good. The food was delicious - we had a choice of salmon, chicken, or beef, and the best part was I didn't have to cook it or clean up afterwards!!.

There were a few speakers, and then the announcement of the winner. Traci and Janet called each one of us up and said a few words about us, our results, etc. It was so interesting to hear Traci tell about the accomplishments of each woman. Some were remarkable, but all were impressive as improvements were made in each woman's life.

After most of them had gone up to the front and received their flowers and bag of goodies, I looked around the room and realized there were only a couple of us left. They called both of us up at the same time. Then they proceeded to tell us they could do this where they left us in suspense as to which one was the winner (like American Idol) or they could have us stand there with not much on in front of everybody (like on The Biggest Loser) but instead they mentioned a few things about both of us. They went back and forth between the two of us, so I really had no idea until they said that Mandy Swallow was the 3rd place winner, Carma Beaumont (who wasn't there that evening) was the 2nd place winner, and I took 1st place. I was thrilled. They asked me to say a few words, which I was totally unprepared to do. Then they presented me with the 5 $100 Visa gift cards, flowers, and my little bag of goodies.

I am so thankful for the people that spearhead this whole heart challenge - Janet, Traci, Jalaine, and the others. It must be very rewarding for you to see all the achievements and results. I wish the next group of participants good luck on their path. A new group made up of hospital employees starts Monday. To those who will be involved next year in the 100-Day Heart Challenge, I hope it's as awesome an experience for you as it was for all of us. Good luck to you.

To my family and friends - thanks again for all your support. I'm so grateful for my own accomplishments and results, and I know a big part of my final success was because of you being there urging me on. To the other participants - good luck as you continue to reach your final goals and continued success in the changes you've made in your personal lives. I was blessed to get to know each of you. Thanks too to my trainer Dylan - I appreciate your pushing me and teaching me.Overall - this was a wonderful experience and I'm so thankful to have been able to participate.

Dance Festival

Kelbee's school had a dance festival today. When our kids were younger and went to Provost School in Provo they also had a dance festival at the end of the year. It was something we all looked forward to - participating and watching - so it was fun to go this year and watch my darling granddaughter. Good job Kelbee!

Colonoscopy

Ready to go before:

Recovery after

Dave has been concerned for awhile about colon cancer and scheduled a colonoscopy. The procedure doesn't take very long, they "knock him out", and he was in recovery - asleep - for about an hour. The results: everything is just fine.

Moving to Logan

Brian has decided to move to Logan, at least for the summer. Why is it that each time one of the kids leaves home a piece of my heart goes with them? We'll miss you Brian, but we also know that this will be good for you.

The apartment he'll be living in this summer is furnished, but doesn't have a bed. He's been up there for a little while now, and has been sleeping on the floor. He's taking his mattress with him this trip so at least he'll have a little comfort!

End of the heart challenge

Today marked the end of our 100-Day Heart Challenge. We were weighed, waist circumference taken, body fat measured, cholesterol, glucose, triglycerides, blood pressure, and heart rate - all checked. How did I do? My cholesterol went from 270 down to 188, triglycerides went from 214 to 95, glucose from 125 to 105, pulse was 88 and is now 61. I lost 2.75 inches around my waist, and I lost 27.5 pounds.
So, with today being the end of the challenge it's also the beginning for each of us. We're now on our own - no trainer, no weekly checkins, no food journaling requirements, no nutrition classes, etc. After talking to several of the women this morning, I think most (if not all of us) plan to continue to watch what we eat and how much we eat, and also continue to exercise. I think we all feel pretty good about where we're at at this point, and although we may not be to our goal, we see it as attainable.I'm happy to be where I'm at. I feel I've worked hard and done what was asked of us. I'm excited to be down in weight and in clothing sizes. I feel good!!
One more thing - I'm very thankful to have been chosen as a participant in this heart challenge. I feel better health-wise than I've felt in a VERY long time. I'm grateful to all those involved and have been the organizers, the cheerleaders, our leaders and coaches along this experience. Thank you, thank you, thank you. And to those other participants - way to go, and thanks for all I've gained from you - committment, courage, perseverance, friendship, encouragement, etc.
We'll know the final results next week at our dinner.

Applying for a passport

When we pick up Mitch in July we all have to have a passport. Dave and I have ours, so today we went to the courthouse to apply for Brie's.

Blue Lemon for May

L-R: Lena, Sally, Suzanne, me, Sue, Jechelle

We football moms gathered at the Blue Lemon up in Highland tonight. If you haven't heard of it or tried it I recommend it. Their food was excellent!

Shelly wasn't able to make it tonight. Her daughter had a softball tournament game. We missed you Shelly!

Happy Birthday Missy!

Has it really been 27 years since that Mother's Day (May 9) in Crosby where I was standing in Relief Society making an announcement when I turned to the president and told her my water had just broken?!! You made your entrance a "short" 8 hours later.

You've grown into such a beautiful young woman. Happy Birthday Miss. We love you very much.

Mother's Day

L-R: Brian, me, Krysta, Missy, Brie

I am so blessed to be a mother, and especially a mother to the children Heavenly Father sent to us. The kids and Dave fixed dinner for me - it was very nice not to have to plan, prepare, and clean up after (although after fixing a Sunday dinner I usually don't have to clean up). Krysta and family, Missy and family, Brian and Brie were all here, and I talked to Tonya and Mitch. This is the last time Mitch will be calling home for Mother's Day or Christmas. He'll be home soon.

I received wonderful and thoughtful gifts and am so thankful for each one of them. Every one of them I knew that the giver had picked or made them specifically for me and I was very touched by them.

There are times when I feel I've fallen short of not only my own expectations of motherhood, but also of what others expect of me. However, on a day like today, I feel like I've been successful in many of the things I've tried to teach, preach, and be an example of. Heaven knows I'm far from perfect, but I can honestly say I have tried my hardest to be a good mother to these children. I've always said that I hope they take the things they like from me and incorporate them into their lives, and the things they don't like they'll try to improve upon in their own parenting. I can also honestly say that no one loves them more than I do (Dave may be on par with me, but doesn't love them more!!)

I am thankful that Families are Forever. I'm also thankful for this beautiful gospel of Jesus Christ that teaches that and so many other wonderful principles. I've truly been blessed in this life.

Last nutrition class and Chef Mike

Preparing the lettuce wraps
The final result

Finishing the breakfast burritos

Today we had our last nutrition class in the heart challenge. Chef Mike came and cooked for us. He made lettuce wraps and breakfast burritos. They were quite tasty, although I liked the lettuce wraps better than the burritos (I'm not a big fan of peanut butter and bananas). The lettuce wraps are said to be comparable to P.F. Chang's but with far fewer calories and more nutritious.

I have learned quite a bit from the nutrition classes we've had and it's information I can use throughout the rest of my life. I'm very grateful for the time and effort Jalaine has put into these classes and for the information she's given to us.

Look behind you!

(Aren't I so sneaky taking a picture in the rear view mirror so he doesn't see me taking it?)

I turned into the driveway between Walgreen's and Sonic in Pleasant Grove to get gas at Macey's. I was headed west and didn't think anything of it - EVERYONE does it. I noticed in the window in the store ahead of me blue and red blinking lights. I thought - I haven't seen those there before - they must be having some kind of promotion. Yeah right - guess I should have looked behind me!!

I pulled up next to the gas pump and that's when I noticed Mr. Copper behind me with his lights flashing, etc. I honestly didn't see him before that. Talk about oblivious! Anyway, he asked me for my license, registration, and insurance. Wouldn't you know, we just changed insurance companies and I didn't have th card with me. He told me to stay in the car. I asked him if I could pump my gas while he did his business, but he told me he preferred me not to. Wow, this is great. It's about 5:00 in the afternoon, I'm sitting with a cop with flashing lights behind me, at one of the busiest intersections in PG. Sweet! He finally gave me my ticket - for crossing the median. Apparently there are double yellow lines where I turned in so it's like crossing a cement median or a grassy median. But, he told me I could go to traffic school. Lucky me!

Total cost of the ticket - $142. Lesson learned by me, but I do a slow burn every time I see people doing the exact same thing I did and of course, there's no cops around then. He told me they were cracking down because of the number of accidents there. Hmmm, didn't know there'd been a lot of accidents there.

Oh well, I was in the wrong. I'll make a point of it not to turn in there again and try to warn anyone I can not to do the same. The thing that makes me the maddest - for those of you familiar with that intersection - I'd been in the turn lane to go onto Pleasant Grove Blvd, but the turn light was red but the straight-through light was green. If I'd stayed where I was originally there would have been no ticket. When will I learn to listen and heed that little voice?!!

More spring flowers

Bleeding Heart
Forget-me-not

More tulips - looks like God just took a paintbrush with some of these!

It was a perfect day to grab my camera and take more pictures of the beautiful spring flowers. It's so interesting to see such a variety. Spring is one thing that puts me in my happy place!